Bird flu in Durrës, Kosovo raises control measures for products of animal origin

2025-03-05 08:14:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Bird flu in Durrës, Kosovo raises control measures for products of animal

The Food and Veterinary Agency has announced that it has increased control measures for shipments of products of animal origin, live animals and poultry from the Durrës area, Albania.

The AUV announces that it is in constant contact with the National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority of Albania to receive updated information on the zoonotic situation regarding the presence of avian influenza, subtype H5N1.

Currently, a farm near Durrës has been identified as affected by this disease.

"In accordance with the legislation in force and in cooperation with the Albanian authorities, the AUV has imposed immediate border control measures. Border veterinary inspectors have been ordered to carry out detailed checks on shipments of food products of animal origin, as well as on live animals or poultry, strictly implementing control procedures to prevent the possible spread of the disease in our country," the announcement states.

Furthermore, it is stated that for the moment, the bird flu situation remains limited to an isolated farm, while Albanian authorities have taken immediate measures to isolate the area and ban internal circulation.

"It is not considered necessary to impose restrictive measures on general imports, as Kosovo does not import live poultry from this area. Currently, the risk of the spread of H5N1 influenza through imports remains low. However, the FVA is on standby and will adapt measures as the situation develops."

It is further announced that poultry farmers must immediately implement biosecurity measures on their farms to prevent the spread of bird flu (Avian Influenza).

“Through the relevant associations, all commercial farmers have been informed about biosecurity measures, which are essential for the protection of their poultry. Activating the self-control system and implementing biosecurity measures on the farm are the most efficient ways to deal with this disease. Bird flu is mainly spread by migratory birds, which makes its prevention challenging for any country. Therefore, the cooperation of farmers and the implementation of appropriate measures is crucial for the protection of farms and the poultry sector in the country.”/ Monitor Magazine